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Wonder Woman – God’s Woman – Leah Mix

Posted on April 3, 2011 by Senior Editor

She stretches out her hands to the spool of wool, and her hands grasp the spindle. She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. Proverbs 31:19-22 NASB

I dreaded Mother’s Day for years. Not because I was not a mother, but because I knew I did not live up to “Wonder Woman.” Not the TV personality, but the Proverbs 31 super woman. I knew at some point during the season, some preacher would extol the praises of the “Virtuous Woman.”

I hated hearing about how she did this and she did that, especially the part where she got up before dawn to feed her servant girls, and her lamp never went out. I wanted to know how, with all her good deeds of buying, planting, and harvesting her fields, sewing, cooking and reaching out to the needy, she strengthened her body by getting some sleep. Caring for her household as she did, where did she find the time to do it all?

She not only put me to shame (if it was true), but I felt I couldn’t compete, so why even bother.

One year, with Mother’s Day coming, I resolved to take her on. I started reading Proverbs 31 every day to find what made her tick. First, she lived in a culture of servants, but I didn’t. She also got up early to assign them their duties. There was no lounging around for her. I decided I could do that, I had two children and a husband. We could all pitch in.

Secondly, she was an organized person, not leaving anything to chance. No matter the season, she cared for what needed doing, not wasting her hours with mindless activities. Again, I became determined. I turned off my TV, resolving not to watch “The Young and the Ruthless” or “The Days of our Lies” anymore. Sewing and laundry were no longer a chore. I baked with my children and even had time to volunteer. God’s Word became more relevant in my life as my love for Him grew.

This person I once loathed still challenges me today. As the seasons of my life change, I have learned to admire wonder woman. Even though, as a young wife and mom in the 60-70’s, I did not have the resources available to women today, such as MOPS, Woman of Faith, or Focus on the Family, God took His Word, brought it to my level and gave me the tools to transform me into who I am today.

He can and will do the same for you. Won’t you let Him?

Joyous Living – Leah Mix

Posted on November 2, 2010 by Senior Editor

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And, let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and mature, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

The look on my face and the heaviness in my chest meant I was not experiencing joy. I was so far from it; an outsider would not label me a Christian, let alone a “joyful Christian.”

I had lost my way and my focus. “Things” had crowded out my quiet time with God. Though the Spirit had reminded me throughout the day, I had too much to do to draw apart as Jesus did.

As I lay awake, still overcome with burdens, I prayed. Father, what would you like to say to me? In the quiet of the night, He reminded me that He was with me and the things I let bog me down, clouded His constant provision for us.

As the time ticked on and night became day, He reminded me of all the unconventional ways He was providing. The list became longer as the Spirit spoke.

• My friend often drops by with bags of items or clothes.
• My dad brought a roast in exchange for a haircut.
• He also gave me a check to cover a doctor visit without us mentioning our need.
• Our neighbors took over the lawn care after Gary’s surgery.
• A friend lets us borrow her tools rather than rent them.
• Tree stands, hunting clothes, and other supplies were given by friends.
• A wonderful Christian doctor did major surgery for me for free because every year he chooses one person to bless as God blesses his practice.
• Friends drop by with excess from their gardens.
• God sends people by with whom we can barter services.

As the list went on, my burdens lifted. Yes, the trials were still there, but I was enduring and maturing in my faith; the Lord was constantly providing for us. Even though I didn’t sleep much that night, I awoke refreshed to start my new day with real joy. I realized as well, why Jesus often drew away from the crowds to be alone with His Father in prayer. His walk to the cross required mature, enduring faith.

Look at the ways God provides for you. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Playing Games – Leah Mix

Posted on September 1, 2010 by Senior Editor

Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I may not sin against you. Psalm 119:105

Thinking back on my childhood, I remember “sword drills” in Sunday evening youth group. This was a friendly competition for individuals or teams to be the first to find a given Scripture. We would hold our Bibles up over our heads and mentally I would tell my fingers where the book might be found. I hoped this simple act would give me a leg up on my competition. To effectively do this, I had to know the Old and New Testament and whether the book was found in the beginning, middle, or end. This took many hours of rehearsing the names and location of the books in the Bible. Winning the challenge and defeating my opponents always made me feel as proud as a peacock. But, more often than not, I would just be close. If there was a prize to be won and I lost, I felt like I had let my team down. For me, winning was everything.

Today I often play this little game when I search for scripture. I mentally rehearse its location and carefully place my fingers, hoping to win one more time. I love the thrill of finding myself on just the right page. It’s like I’ve won once again for the team. When I am shy of my goal, this gentle nudge reminds me it has been a while since I’ve explored this part of the Book.

Whether you can find Scripture quickly isn’t important, but through daily use you will become more and more familiar with where the books and verses are. Just think, hidden on these pages are truths to guide you, to keep you sharp against your adversary, the Devil, and keep you focused on Christ, the real prize. This exercise will help you to continually hit the mark.

The next time you pick up God’s Word to check out a passage of Scripture, try a little spark of playfulness. You may be surprised at just how close you can get. Remember, the more familiar with God’s Word you are, you will always be on the right page and, in all ways, a winner. Satan is the only opponent you have to defeat, and by applying God’s Word, you can beat him every time.

Victorious Living – Leah Mix

Posted on August 25, 2010 by Senior Editor

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 NIV

They say winning is sweet, and so do I… as I finally conquer those daunting tasks I’ve dreaded doing. For me, facing foes just to gain victory is a daily event.

My foe is procrastination—like putting off the jam-packed closet or cupboards, which desperately scream to be cleaned out.

On a more personal note, recognizing gluttony as a sin, is a battle I wage daily. What would draw me to overeat, cries “Eat me, eat me,” from the pantry or the fridge.
Further up the list of things I long for victory over, are my fears. They are many, and I fear even the telling of them. But I must face them and allow my Father to shield me with scripture, by listening to His voice.

I have a fear of driving, but I will not let this immobilize me into staying at home. Instead, I get into the car and pray for victory over my foe as I face the demons that would capture my mind. They may visit me, but they are not allowed to take up residence. I turn music on that reminds me of the power in the name of Jesus, that faith is the victory, or whatever words He sends to minister to me at the time. God uses all of it to reinforce within me just what I can do by stepping out in faith. Often I’ve arrived at my destination, surprised at how uneventful the trip was. With a prayer of thanksgiving, I can enjoy the rest of my trip.

Riding with someone else is quite another thing. Each time my husband and I venture out, we have to battle my fears together. It’s a test of true love and our sense of humor, but the battle must be won on my part. Satan and I volley for control, but through prayer, the giver of grace quiets my anxious spirit.

Maybe you combat an addiction to excessive TV, drugs, alcohol, pornography, or things just like me. Victory is promised to us, one battle at a time, but we must willingly, actively fight to win.
Today, which will you be, victor or victim?

Leah Mix has been married to her wonderful husband Gary for 39 years. A transplant from Upstate New York to Florida, Leah experienced culture shock, but now loves her home and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. She found out when God plants you, He will make you happy blooming there. Leah is the mother of two and grandmother of five. Writing is a new venture for Leah, but has been a dream for years. She is excited about the future because she has found, God is good – all the time. Read Leah’s devotions

Barking Dogs and Grumpy Neighbors – Leah Mix

Posted on July 3, 2010 by Senior Editor

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:2-3

Not much can disrupt the peace of a neighborhood quite like kids and animals.

I’ll have to admit, the children here are respectful and get along well. However, barking dogs have set our neighborhood on edge. We have yapping Yorkies and intimidating German Shepherds that, lately, have pitted neighbor against neighbor.

The yappy Yorkies back off with the threat of a hose, but the Shepherds do what they do best—guard their property. However, they don’t stop there. They don’t want you in your own yard either. They jump and bare their teeth, intimidating anyone who comes near. Their owners have ignored possible solutions that have been suggested, until this week.

Following another mincing, dog-to-human confrontation, a plea went out for an immediate resolution, putting the owners on the defensive. Finally relenting, they called a company to install a privacy fence.

Thoughts of helping to pay for a fence or a gift certificate sent in a thank you card, was quickly withdrawn after an offensive note was tacked to the neighbor’s door later that afternoon. This war was not over for the dog owners.

Both families are Christians, they say, and that is what makes this so sad.

Paul addressed this issue with the Ephesian church. He pleaded with them to make every effort to live in unity, living peacefully together, and bearing with each other. In addition, he also appealed to them: In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

A foothold refers to a trap that secures us in its grip. It gives Satan a firm grasp, impeding our progress. He takes something that irritates us or something we refuse to let go of, and we become his slave.

Seeking forgiveness and restoration is the only answer. Paul urges us to let go quickly of the hurt or offense before it becomes rooted in our life for Satan to use against us.

Thankfully, our neighborhood has settled down. I pray for peace between the families. I ask, “Lord, help us to remember, they will know us by our love, or lack of it, especially toward those in the Body of Christ.”

How do others recognize you?

Holey Underware – Leah Mix

Posted on April 6, 2010 by Senior Editor

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin…and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow…” Mathew 6:28-31 NIV

“Put them in the rag bag so you don’t keep wearing them, and we will buy you more,” my husband chided.

“But they have so many more miles left,” I retorted.

I had put my nail through the cloth and with each wearing and washing, the hole had become larger. On the outside, I was saying one thing, but God knew I was not being honest.

With things financially so tight, my heart doubted things would ever get better. My husband did well at juggling money, but we never seemed to get ahead. Therefore, it must be God’s fault. He wasn’t being true to His word; and my holey underwear proved it. Besides, no one but me, Gary and God knew I was wearing them, (and now you) so why should I spend the little we had on something unseen.

The maker of my heart knew what was lurking in the dark corners. I wasn’t being kind to His reputation.

Oh, I would tell others of His provisions, His blessings to us in so many ways, but my heart-harbored resentment that we weren’t at our previous status, or better. At this point in our lives, we should be “set” for our future, not wondering about our health care, or if we could afford to replace a broken appliance or replace a roof. As baby boomers, we were supposed to have more than the generations that went before us, but we didn’t. We were experiencing less.

I expected a bright future and when it didn’t materialize, I had become crushed in my spirit. Things were not like I had hoped for.

“God has blessed me in so many ways,” I said,” so why am I down in my spirit?”

This came the same week as the first earthquake in Haiti. Watching the scenes unfold was a wake-up call for me. With such devastation, I wanted to hold on to my holey piece of cloth. I felt blessed to have it. They had nothing to call their own. I had wealth all around me. Reality finally set in.

Satan snidely said, “See, He wasn’t kind to them either. See how He took care of them?”

Thinking on this, I said, “Yes, I do! He’s sent the world to help them.” Moreover, though they will never know it, the people of Haiti and the response to them, have even helped me!

My New Name – Leah Mix

Posted on March 29, 2010 by Senior Editor

“You will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow. You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God.” Isaiah 62:2b, 3 (NIV)

After God’s touch changed the character of their lives, many in Scripture were given a new name.
Sarai, once known as the manipulating wife of Abram, became Sarah. God used this persuasive, elderly woman to be the mother of His people, the Jews. Likewise, Abraham, once Abram, chose to live by faith and in complete obedience. He followed God’s plan, and became the father of God’s people.

After Saul’s encounter with God on the Damascus road, he was transformed and became Paul, meaning small and humble. Saul, once a religious, ardent persecutor of the Church, became a passionate defender of the faith. He became a powerhouse, humbly serving God, in dreadful places and at great cost to him personally.

Finally, spontaneous Peter. He had the strongest faith of Jesus’ friends. Jesus dubbed him, Cephas, the Rock. Chosen to build up the Church – the body of Christ – Peter, after several failures, would never again vehemently deny Jesus. Instead, he openly proclaimed Him as Lord, urging others to stand firm in their faith and suffering.

These new names depicted God’s view of them. Each surrendered humbly, by faith, to live up to their name, trusting completely in His plan. They claimed the holiness they exhibited was not their own. Paul wrote, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

I prayed, “Lord, what will you call me?” What new name would symbolize my character to You, Father, when I am completely surrendered to your will?”

He answered, “Love. I call you, Love. You give love to those closest and to some you hardly know. You ask to be my hands, my feet, my eyes, my lips to others. I’ve seen you show my love to those who have hurt you. You pray they will come to know Me, as you do. I know your heart; your desire to do my will.”

Then, He quietly whispered, “When I look at you, Leah, I see my Son, Jesus. And that is why I call you, Love.”

One Sweet Onion – Leah Mix

Posted on February 16, 2010 by Senior Editor

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.” Ephesians 3:20 NASB

“This is the last of my onions, I moaned, and part of it is spoiled.”
My mind raced as I thought of the other things we needed. Last check of our wallets, we had $3 between us. It had to last until Friday—it was only Sunday.

In spite of my depressing thoughts, God counter-balanced them with the sweetest words; Jehovah Jireh, my provider.

I recalled the Israelites wandering in the Sinai Desert for 40 years, never without food or clothes, and their sandals never wore out. Elijah was fed by a raven. And a widow’s oil and flour never ran dry, despite a drought in the land.

Those are truly amazing stories, I thought, but how far can I stretch an onion?

As I cut off the skin and a bad spot, my fears continued. Carefully, I sliced the bare minimum I needed into the pan, and wrapped the rest for another day.

Jehovah Jireh, my provider. The words flashed again.

“Do you remember that I provided the onion in the first place?” His voice spoke softly. “I can and will do it again.”

Suddenly, all the times He had provided our needs supernaturally flooded my mind, strengthening my resolve and faith to trust again.

Like many in this economy, we are buying just what we need and very little else. Was I letting months of bad economical reports limit my reality of what my God could do? He has provided so abundantly in the past. Why was I allowing someone else’s anxieties and fears to cloud my present and my future? Was I resorting to hoarding?

“Do you remember the email you opened yesterday?” God’s voice gently quizzed me.

I thought briefly. “Oh, the one that said our items had sold on Ebay,” I replied.

“That is the one,” He tenderly reminded me. “See, I provided before you asked.”

Silently I thanked Him for this reminder of His constant provision and confessed, Lord, I find myself buying into ‘the American dream’… keep me focused on You.

Taking my remaining onion from the fridge, I added more to the pot. I was confident there was more where that came from. And to me, an onion had never seemed sweeter.

My Jehovah Jireh has fields of them ready to feed His children.

Leah Mix has been married to her wonderful husband, Gary, for 39 years. A transplant from Upstate New York to Florida, Leah experienced culture shock, but now loves her home and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. She found out that when God plants you, He will make you happy blooming there. Leah is the mother of two and grandmother of five. Writing is a new venture for Leah, but has been a dream for years. She is excited about the future because she has found, God is good – all the time. Leah Mix has been married to her wonderful husband, Gary, for 39 years. A transplant from Upstate New York to Florida, Leah experienced culture shock, but now loves her home and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. She found out when God plants you, He will make you happy blooming there. Leah is the mother of two and grandmother of five. Writing is a new venture for Leah, but has been a dream for years. She is excited about the future because she has found, God is good – all the time. Read Leah’s devotions

Put Some Cleanser On It – Leah Mix

Posted on October 14, 2009 by Senior Editor

“If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves… But if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us… and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9 NIV

I didn’t even have to bring it to my nose to know the dish cloth was no longer useful. But, the more I thought about it, I realized it was! I let it preach to me. My cloth, once clean, odor-free, and untouched by food or beverage had been left in a crumpled heap on the counter. I neglected to rinse it, creating an environment of germs and bacteria. It was useless for cleaning anything. In fact, it would have contaminated anything it touched.

I’ve found myself much like that soiled cloth—spiritually dirty, smelly and unusable to God. Worse yet, I knew it.

“This is where I am spiritually,” I confessed to God. Once cleansed from my sins, washed by the blood of the Lamb, I was useful in His Kingdom. But when I was hurt, I justified becoming a gossip, being defensive and filled with un-forgiveness. If I allowed my present condition to continue, I would contaminate all I touched, just like the rank, germ-filled cloth.

I took my sins and hurts to the One who washed me whiter than bleach. Oh, the joy and sense of peace a good scrubbing brings! I could breathe in the fresh air of Jesus’ forgiveness, sensing a new freedom His love brought me.

Being cleansed is humbling and healing. And, as I left my will, my hurts and my plans in the hands of my Father, the Spirit reminded me this lesson would come again soon. That is just Satan’s way. He likes me dirty and contaminated—useless in the work God has planned for me. But now, I pray my little ten-inch cloth will remind me again of God’s Word, and where to go sooner for a good washing. Because of His grace and forgiveness, I don’t have to remain useless anymore. For one victorious day at Calvary, praise God, Jesus put some cleanser on me.

Read Leah’s devotions

The Nameless Thief – Leah Mix

Posted on April 27, 2009 by Senior Editor

“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Luke 23:42

His name was never mentioned, yet he was notorious.

He left his negative mark on society, yet He was ushered instantly into the Kingdom of Heaven upon his death.

His life has impacted mine countless times, though he’ll never know it.

He died in shame thinking that his life was a waste, I am sure.

Who was He?

He was the one hanging next to Jesus that dark day – He was the thief on the cross.

We often hear of people leaving a legacy, especially presidents and governmental figures. But do we wonder about our own spiritual life enough that we are willing to do something drastic to change it?

For years we’ve heard about two thieves hanging with Jesus that momentous day on Calvary. One continued his lifestyle of rebellion and shame right to the very end. He mocked Jesus for Who He claimed to be. But the thief on the other side of Jesus rebuked him and did something totally unexpected. He recognized Jesus as the blameless Son of God. These few simple words, spoken by a dying man, were about to change him forever. With undeserved love and forgiveness, this self-proclaimed criminal’s complete life history was covered with the blood of Christ flowing from the cross. And immediately, that repentant thief was joined with Jesus, for all eternity. Talk about an impact!

Are you someone who thinks God can’t forgive or love you because of all you have done? Powerful words were spoken that day to the repentant thief. The same is true for you, because we read in Romans 10:13; “anyone who calls on the name of the Lord, will be saved.” Jesus will do something totally miraculous with your life just like He did for that nameless thief. Imagine how surprised he was to die here and wake up in Heaven with Jesus that day? That’s what Jesus can do for you as well.

There were three legacies that day at Golgotha. All left a permanent mark in history. One went to a place of eternal torment, while the other two will fellowship forever in Heaven. Your legacy will be one or the other. Which will it be? You get to choose. I know my Jesus is still in the business of changing lives today. All we have to do is simply come to Him, just as we are and ask.